Signs and Consequences of a Generator Overload
We cannot emphasize the importance of a generator to a business enough! This piece of equipment is strong enough to maintain facility operations without skipping a beat, allowing locations to carry on with their days.
That said, such crucial equipment requires enough servicing to ensure that its backup power units remain functional and can restore power easily. Unfortunately, generators can sometimes experience malfunctions from an overload that can place your business at risk just as quickly as not having generators at all.
Given this detail, you should know the signs and consequences of a generator overload so that you can service equipment immediately. In this article, you’ll discover a few details to note about a generator overload.
Sign: Power Output Decrease
A reduction in a generator’s power output can occur when the unit exceeds the standard output levels necessary to uphold energy grids. As a result, work performed by a backup power machine will reduce by half, often resulting in poor performance.
Sign: Overheating
A classic sign of overloading is when your generator begins to overheat and produce loud noises signaling that it’s operating at a higher capacity than normal. Overheating can occur due to a lack of protection from circuit breakers.
This overheating can also affect other equipment dependent on the power transferred from the generator. If it reaches high enough temperatures, then other machinery may experience the same overheating.
Consequence: Fire or Explosion
Overloading means forcing equipment to work harder than necessary to obtain a desired result. An extended period of overloading can cause a generator to heat up and catch fire.
If there’s a gas tank near the unit or you notice a spark, this could signal an explosion, threatening your safety. It’s wise to have a professional inspect equipment before this detrimental occurrence appears.
Consequence: Reduced Lifespan
As your power unit continually operates above its capacity, machinery may begin to turn hot more quickly, causing the alternator and other equipment components to burn. After damage occurs to those parts, you can expect the machine’s lifespan to decrease.
Owning a reliable backup power supply can protect your primary generator. A reliable backup generator can save your business from severe weather and outages. Because of its complexity, a power unit that tries to meet excessive power needs alone can cause critical business issues. Therefore, having a secondary generator is helpful.
By being aware of the signs and consequences of a generator overload, you can avert damage and equipment failure.
